How to mine in elite dangerous
If you’re a pilot in the vast galaxy of Elite Dangerous and you feel the urge to strike it rich, mining might be the path for you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to become a successful miner.
Mining in Elite Dangerous offers the potential for high profits by extracting valuable resources from asteroids scattered across the galaxy. It requires a combination of specialized equipment, careful planning, and a bit of luck.
Firstly, you’ll need to equip your ship with a mining laser and a refinery module. The mining laser is used to break apart asteroids, while the refinery module facilitates the collection and processing of extracted resources. Make sure to invest in a good class-two mining laser, as a higher-rated laser will increase your chances of finding high-quality materials.
Once you’ve got the right tools for the job, you’ll want to locate a metal-rich ring or a planetary ring with a high concentration of resource-rich asteroids. These rings can be found around gas giants or different types of planet surfaces. Use your ship’s scanner to identify resource hotspots, indicated by bright colors on the surface of the ring.
How to Extract Minerals in Elite Dangerous: A Beginner’s Guide
Mining is a popular activity in the vast and open universe of Elite Dangerous. Whether you are a seasoned pilot or just starting your space-faring career, learning how to extract minerals can be a lucrative endeavor. This beginner’s guide will provide you with the essential steps to start mining in Elite Dangerous.
1. Get a Mining Laser
The first step in your mining journey is to acquire a mining laser. These specialized lasers are essential for breaking apart asteroids and extracting valuable minerals. You can purchase mining lasers at various stations or outfitting locations.
2. Find a Suitable Mining Location
Once you have your mining laser, it’s time to find a suitable mining location. In Elite Dangerous, asteroid belts and planetary rings are the prime spots for mining activities. You can locate these by using the system map or by scanning for them while in supercruise mode.
3. Identify Resource-Rich Asteroids
Not all asteroids are created equal when it comes to minerals. You want to focus on the ones known as “core” or “motherlode” asteroids, which contain high-value minerals. Look for asteroids with irregular shapes, discolorations, or surface fissures, as these are signs of potential mineral deposits.
4. Deploy your Mining Tools
Once you have identified a resource-rich asteroid, you need to deploy your mining tools. Use your mining laser to break apart the asteroid piece by piece. Be careful not to deplete the asteroid completely, as it will eventually explode.
5. Collect the Minerals
As you break apart the asteroid, chunks of valuable minerals will float around in space. Use your ship’s cargo scoop to collect these minerals and store them in your cargo hold. Be cautious not to collide with the asteroid fragments, as it can damage your ship.
6. Refine and Sell Your Minerals
Once your cargo hold is full, it’s time to refine and sell the minerals. Visit a station with outfitting services or a refinery, and use their facilities to refine the raw minerals into a more valuable form. After refining the minerals, head to a market or commodities exchange to sell them for a profit.
7. Upgrade Your Mining Equipment
As your mining operations become more profitable, consider upgrading your mining equipment. Upgraded mining lasers, drones, and cargo holds can increase your efficiency and capacity, allowing you to maximize your mining potential.
Remember, mining in Elite Dangerous can be a rewarding but potentially dangerous activity. Keep an eye out for pirates and other hostile ships during your mining expeditions. Stay vigilant, protect yourself, and enjoy the riches that await in the depths of space!
Choosing the Right Mining Equipment
When it comes to mining in Elite Dangerous, having the right equipment is crucial. The type of mining equipment you choose will greatly impact how successful and efficient your mining operations are. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting your mining equipment:
1. Mining Laser
The mining laser is the essential tool for extracting valuable minerals from asteroids. There are two types of mining lasers available in Elite Dangerous: the basic mining laser and the more advanced mining laser. The basic laser is cheaper but has a slower extraction rate, while the advanced laser is faster but more expensive. Consider your budget and the desired mining speed when choosing your mining laser.
2. Collector Limpets
Collector limpets are used to collect the extracted minerals and bring them to your cargo hold. They make the mining process much more efficient by automatically collecting minerals, saving you time and effort. It is recommended to have multiple collector limpets active at the same time to increase the speed of collection. Make sure to have enough cargo space to accommodate the minerals you intend to extract.
3. Refinery
The refinery is where the collected minerals are turned into usable materials. Different types of minerals require different refining processes. When choosing a refinery, consider the number of bins it has and whether it is able to refine the specific minerals you are targeting. Upgrading your refinery can also increase its efficiency, allowing you to process larger quantities of minerals at a faster rate.
4. Optional Equipment
In addition to the essential mining equipment mentioned above, there are several optional equipment modules that can enhance your mining experience. These include:
- Prospector Limpets: Prospector limpets can be used to scan asteroids and identify their contents before mining. This can help you find high-value asteroids more quickly.
- Pulse Wave Analyser: This module allows you to detect deep core asteroids which contain rare and valuable minerals. It is especially useful for laser-mining.
- Seismic Charge Launcher: The seismic charge launcher is essential for deep core mining. It is used to place explosive charges on asteroids and extract their core minerals.
By selecting the right mining equipment for your needs and playstyle, you can maximize your efficiency and profitability in Elite Dangerous mining. Remember to always monitor your equipment’s status and make necessary upgrades to optimize your mining operations.
Finding Profitable Mining Locations
Mining is a key activity in Elite Dangerous that can be quite lucrative if done correctly. One of the most important factors in successful mining is finding profitable locations to extract resources. Here are some tips on how to find those locations:
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Research | Before heading out to mine, do some research on the types of resources that are in demand and their current market prices. This will give you an idea of what to look for when scouting for mining locations. |
Refinery Outposts | Look for systems that have refinery outposts nearby. These outposts often offer better prices for mined resources compared to other types of stations, allowing you to sell your resources for higher profits. |
Rich Rings | Pay attention to the composition of planetary rings. Rings with high concentrations of valuable minerals like painite, platinum, or void opals are considered “rich rings” and can be highly profitable to mine. |
Low Competition | Avoid areas that are heavily frequented by other miners. Mining in crowded locations can lead to lower profits due to increased competition for resources. Look for less popular systems or remote areas to maximize your earnings. |
Pirate Activity | Be cautious of systems with high pirate activity, as they can pose a threat to your mining operations. Look for systems with low security levels or invest in defensive equipment to protect yourself from potential attacks. |
By keeping these tips in mind and exploring different systems, you’ll be able to find profitable mining locations in Elite Dangerous and maximize your earnings.
Efficient Mining Techniques and Strategies
Mining in Elite Dangerous can be a profitable venture if done correctly. By employing efficient techniques and strategies, you can maximize your profits and make the most of your time spent mining. Here are some tips to help you become a successful miner.
1. Proper Ship Loadout
Choosing the right ship for mining is crucial. Look for ships with large cargo capacities, strong and flexible limpet controllers, and enough hardpoints to mount mining lasers and other essential tools. A well-equipped ship will allow you to carry more cargo and mine efficiently.
2. Prospect and Analyze
Before you start mining, make sure to use a Pulse Wave Analyzer to scan nearby asteroids. Look for asteroids with high mineral content and surface deposits using the onboard Detailed Surface Scanner. By identifying the most valuable asteroids, you will save time and increase your profit potential.
3. Surface Mining
- Use mining lasers and abrasion blasters to extract surface deposits.
- Deploy collector limpets to gather the extracted resources and deposit them into your cargo hold.
- Use a refinery to process the collected materials into usable commodities.
4. Subsurface Mining
- Utilize subsurface displacement missiles to drill into targeted asteroids.
- Target mineral-rich areas within the asteroids using the Pulse Wave Analyser.
- Deploy limpets to collect the extracted resources.
5. Deep Core Mining
Deep core mining involves using abrasion blasters and seismic charges to extract highly valuable minerals from deep within asteroids. Look for asteroids with void opals, low-temperature diamonds, and other rare materials. Be aware that deep core mining requires more skill and precision.
6. Finding Good Mining Locations
- Research and visit pristine metallic rings.
- Look for Resource Extraction Sites (RES) and Hazardous Resource Extraction Sites (HRES) within these rings.
- Mine in rings that have a higher percentage of valuable materials like platinum, painite, or osmium.
By following these efficient mining techniques and strategies, you can greatly increase your chances of success and profitability in Elite Dangerous. Remember to always stay updated on the latest mining updates and strategies, as they can greatly impact the efficiency of your operations.